B-Movie Horror Classics??

[Kikabi]

In compiling my Horror Movie High curriculum, I've been making lists based on several other people's recommendations and "must-see" lists. Below is my Horror B-Movie Classics. (I think they're all B-movies) If I see all of these (except the two I refuse to see), I think it will take me from freshman to sophmore level. :D Well, these plus A-Movie Horror and Foreign Horrors!

They're all from English-speaking countries (I'm still creating my must-see foreign horror movies list; apart from asian ones.) Not included here are the early studio films like Dracula and Frankenstein - I have yet a separate list for those!

My question to you is - do you think these are truly classics in the genre? What doesn't belong? What's missing? Yes, I look to you, my fellow schmoes, as my teachers.

(The asterisks indicate the movies I've already seen)

The Night of the Living Dead *
Dawn of the Dead '78 *
Day of the Dead
The Evil Dead *
The Evil Dead 2 *
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre '74 *
Invasion of the Body Snatchers '56
Hellraiser
Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Lord of Illusion
Cannibal Holocaust
Halloween *
Friday the 13th *
Nightmare on Elms Street *
Child's Play *
Candyman *
Gingersnaps *
The Wicker Man '73 *
Prom Night
Slumber Party Massacre
Sleepaway Camp
Black Christmas '74 *
Silent Night, Deadly Night
My Bloody Valentine
C.H.U.D. *
Maniac Cop
Maniac
The Prowler
Killer Klowns from Outer Space *
The Rocky Horror Picture Show *
The Howling *
Near Dark *
Vampires *
From Dusk till Dawn *
Scanners
Videodrome *
Eraserhead
Pet Cemetery *
Braindead/Dead Alive
28 Days Later *
Shaun of the Dead *
The Bad Seed
The Amityville Horror '79 *
Wolfen
An American Werewolf in London *
Silver Bullet
Dog Soldiers *
The Prophecy *
Warlock
Creepshow
Dellamorte Dellamore/Cemetery Man *
Dementia 13
Fright Night *
The Fog '80 *
The Fly '86 *
Motel Hell
Tremors *
The Thing *
The Hitcher '86 *
Session 9 *
Village of the Damned
Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter
Mr. Stitch
Freaks
Lost Highway
The Wilderness
Dead End *
The Brood
Feast *
Cherry Falls
Nightbreed
Cat People '42
The House of Wax '53
The House on Haunted Hill *
The Little Shop of Horrors '60
The Last House on the Left *
The People Under the Stairs *
He Knows You're Alone

Sorry this is so long. Please don't just quote the whole post as it would take up even more space on the thread. Thanks for any thoughts you have!

[JJFlamingo]

They all look good to me, except Mr. Stitch and The Wilderness...:D

[yorrick brown]

skip cherry falls.its a mess.

you need to watch 'freaks.'

[BugMuffins]

[/QUOTE] [B]The Night of the Living Dead *
Dawn of the Dead '78 * absolute classic
Day of the Dead second best to above
The Evil Dead *
The Evil Dead 2 *
I would skip the above two and go with Army of Darkness
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre '74 * classic but not essential - I like the remakes better, much better. I don't think I have EVER laughed as hard as I did at "the beginning"
Invasion of the Body Snatchers '56 classic!
Hellraiser (MUST See - the start of a cult & extremely twisted
Cannibal Holocaust (a waste but does mark the novel beginning of cannibal films)
Halloween * (first only)
Friday the 13th * (first only)
Nightmare on Elms Street * (first only)
Child's Play * (OK, but you WANT to see Trilogy of Terror, the original doll movie with the exception of the Twilight Zone episodes)
Candyman * (decent, nothing special)
The Wicker Man '73 * (one of the best ever but NOT a horror movie)
Prom Night
Slumber Party Massacre
Sleepaway Camp
Black Christmas '74 *
Silent Night, Deadly Night (decent Italian (I believe) flick, there are better, MUCH better)
My Bloody Valentine
C.H.U.D. * (LOL! I remember seeing this at the drive in when it came out!)
From Dusk till Dawn *
Scanners
Videodrome * (amazing, not horror however. Cronenberg only made 1 horror movie if memory serves. Cronenberg is like Lynch, you can't classify his movies. They good ones are awesome, the bad ones..well, just stick with the good ones.
Eraserhead
Pet Cemetery *
Braindead/Dead Alive (These are so funny! Peter Jackson, what a genius!)
28 Days Later * (what an over rated piece of #*&!)
Shaun of the Dead *
The Bad Seed
The Amityville Horror '79 * (the remake was 10 times better, another one I saw at the theater when it came out)
Wolfen
An American Werewolf in London *
Silver Bullet
Dog Soldiers * (one of the best movies ever!)
Creepshow (decent)
Dellamorte Dellamore/Cemetery Man *
The Fog '80 * (what a piece of poop!)
The Fly '86 * (Cronenberg, what can i say)
Motel Hell (OMG!!!, if you have not seen this, go out and buy tomorrow!! The absolute ruling tyrant of drive in gore. This movie is truly F'ed up!
Tremors *
The Thing * (Classic!)
The Hitcher '86 *
Session 9 * ( I loved it, most people don't)
Village of the Damned (Yes!)
Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter
Mr. Stitch
Freaks (freaky...just plain cool n odd)
Lost Highway(not horror, but GREAT!)
The Wilderness
Dead End *
The Brood (his only horror flick I believe)
Feast *
Cherry Falls (never heard of this...what is it?)
Nightbreed (Stone cold classic!)
Cat People '42
The House of Wax '53 (Yes!)
The House on Haunted Hill * (Yes!)
The Little Shop of Horrors '60 (No!)
The Last House on the Left * (yepperz)
The People Under the Stairs * (GREAT movie!!!)
/B]

I will put together a recommended viewing list over the weekend. Have you seen most of the "possession" movies like The Exorcist? How about The Omen or The Sentinel (not the newer one!)

[starcat]

gotta have return of the killer tomatoes, cheerleader camp, and chopping mall

[Cronos]

Basket Case

[BugMuffins]

Here are some links that will definitely expand any and all who desire to inhale some horror history. Have fun!

(I apologize for the last post! Very lame job on my part, just getting used to this forum's text format)

http://usersites.horrorfind.com/home/horror/hammercinema/hammercrypt.html (http://)


http://www.retroradar.com/Thrillville___Monster_Movies.86.0.html (http://)



IF you have not seen these eccentric entries into the realm of that which is Horror, YOU MUST!

From director Ken Russell
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066993/ (http://)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095488/ (http://)

From director Andrzej Zulawski
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082933/ (http://)

From director Tobe Hooper
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091276/ (http://)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089489/

From director Brian Yuzna
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107664/ (http://)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264508/ (http://)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098354/ (http://)

From Director Avery Crounse
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085515/ (http://)

much more later (NONE of these will disappoint)

[darchangel]

I found the first half of Prom Night too drawn out and boring.

The killer's identity in My Bloody Valentine pissed me off.

Dementia 13 and House of Wax '53 are both frickin' classic. I recommend the Elvira version of Dementia 13.

Little Shop of Horrors had horrible sound quality...I suggest fast forwarding to Jack Nicholson's part and skipping the rest.

Freaks was HILARIOUS!

I've heard Eraserhead was a pseudo art piece of crap...I have a friend who will punch you in the face for mentioning it in his presence.

Is Nightbreed the one with Alice Krige as a vampire? She still freaks me out...stupid Borg Queen. [/geek moment]

[JJFlamingo]

Originally posted by darchangel
Is Nightbreed the one with Alice Krige as a vampire? She still freaks me out...stupid Borg Queen. [/geek moment]

Nope that's Sleepwalkers... :D

[Le_Big_Mac]

The Night of the Living Dead * (arguably the greatest horror movie of all time)
Dawn of the Dead '78 * (horror/action masterpiece)
Day of the Dead (verges on piece of crap)
The Evil Dead *
The Evil Dead 2 *
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre '74 *
Invasion of the Body Snatchers '56 (good, but not as much as the 1978 remake)
Hellraiser
Hellbound: Hellraiser II
Lord of Illusion
Cannibal Holocaust
Halloween * (a very good movie, but not as great as many make it out to be)
Friday the 13th *
Nightmare on Elm Street * (my favorite slasher movie)
Child's Play *
Candyman *
Gingersnaps * (this movie reeks of emo, but not enough of any actual fear)
The Wicker Man '73 * (creepiest movie to take place primarily during the day)
Prom Night
Slumber Party Massacre
Sleepaway Camp
Black Christmas '74 * (massively unrecognized, great movie)
Silent Night, Deadly Night
My Bloody Valentine
C.H.U.D. *
Maniac Cop
Maniac
The Prowler
Killer Klowns from Outer Space *
The Rocky Horror Picture Show *
The Howling *
Near Dark *
Vampires *
From Dusk till Dawn * (great entertainment)
Scanners
Videodrome * (horror masterpiece)
Eraserhead (best horror movie of all time)
Pet Cemetery *
Braindead/Dead Alive
28 Days Later * (decent)
Shaun of the Dead * (very funny but not as good as Hot Fuzz)
The Bad Seed
The Amityville Horror '79 *
Wolfen
An American Werewolf in London *
Silver Bullet
Dog Soldiers *
The Prophecy *
Warlock
Creepshow
Dellamorte Dellamore/Cemetery Man *
Dementia 13
Fright Night *
The Fog '80 * (it passes the time but it's kind of underwhelming for John Carpenter)
The Fly '86 * (I wouldn't say it satisfies as a horror movie, but it's still an excellent movie)
Motel Hell
Tremors * (pretty good)
The Thing * (horror masterpiece)
The Hitcher '86 *
Session 9 *
Village of the Damned
Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter
Mr. Stitch
Freaks (not very scary any more, but it's fun and has great atmosphere)
Lost Highway
The Wilderness
Dead End *
The Brood
Feast *
Cherry Falls
Nightbreed
Cat People '42
The House of Wax '53
The House on Haunted Hill *
The Little Shop of Horrors '60
The Last House on the Left * (looking past the overly juxtaposing cop shenanigans, a good start in the horror genre and film in general for Wes Craven)
The People Under the Stairs *
He Knows You're Alone


Good list, although I wouldn't really call From Dusk Till Dawn, Shaun of the Dead and 28 Days Later B-horror movies. I haven't seen it but shouldn't The Blair Witch Project be on there, for its relevance if anything else?

But one all-time B-horror classic that's missing from that list:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/6302814715.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[Kikabi]

To one and all, Thanks! :D

BugMuffin - I always like recommendations! I have seen things like The Exorcist, Rosemary's Baby, and The Omen. They're part of my A-Movie Horror Classics freshman class ;) so I have them all listed separately. But I'd like to see more possession, demons, lost/forgotten gods kind of movies. I haven't heard of The Sentinel (and I know you don't mean the Michael Douglas one.)

As per recommendations, just know that the ones I've listed with asterisks * are ones I've already seen. But I've only listed what I think are considered "classics." I really liked Lost Souls, for example, but that's not a classic.

Anyway, I will add Basket Case and Chopping Mall to my must-see list. Chopping Mall sounds like fun. Don't know about Cheerleader Camp. It sounds like it might be to exploitation for my taste.

Slashers aren't my favorite types of horror, although I do want to see what's truly considered slasher classics. After all, the original Black Christmas is one of my fav. horror movies, so I'm not adverse to watching good ones. Is Cheerleader Camp really a must-see?

I've seen The Return of the Killer Tomatoes - "could ya pass the ketchup?" LOL! Yeah, I liked that one.

What about April Fools Day and Re-Animator? Are those considered must-see classics? I keep meaning to see Re-Animator

And the big question is ::putting on whiney voice::Do I have to see Leprachaun? ::going back to normal voice.

I always think of the Borg Queen when I think about or see Alice Krige, too, darchangel. ;)

[Kikabi]

Originally posted by Le_Big_Mac
Good list, although I wouldn't really call From Dusk Till Dawn, Shaun of the Dead and 28 Days Later B-horror movies. I haven't seen it but shouldn't The Blair Witch Project be on there, for its relevance if anything else?

Probably the experts here can address this better than me, but good questions. I think of B-movies not just as cheesy, exploitation movies, but also as low-budget, mainly independent movies, too. So it's a mixed bag concerning quality.

Rodriguez and Tarantino were going for the classic B-movie exploitation horror thing with From Dusk till Dawn. At least when they got to the horror half of the movie! Shaun of the Dead is a low-budget indie zombie flick spoofing low-budget indie zombie flicks. 28 Days Later is a low-budget, high quality movie.

I'm not sure what The Blair Witch Project's relevance is to the horror genre, actually. I'd like to know if does. I don't think it's come to the point of being considered a "classic" but time will tell about that.

What does everyone think - is Blair Witch a "must-see?" Maybe that's the real question - should movies like From Dusk Till Dawn, Shaun of the Dead, and so on from my list considered must-see movies for any true horror fan? Must-see = classics, I suppose. Which ones aren't really considered must-see classics, do you think?

But one all-time B-horror classic that's missing from that list:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/6302814715.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

YES! Thank you! That's another I've been wanting to see.

[BugMuffins]

I sure as hell ain't no expert but I believe...

The old "B" movie thing goes back to the days when you could see 2-3 features in an afternoon at the matinée showing for about .10-.50 cents. They would have an "A" or "head liner" show feature and a B feature with either a cartoon or a news reel thrown in at the beginning. There would be an actual get up out of your seat and get refreshments type intermiession as well. The exact same format carried over into the drive ins. It's kind of funny to think that rock concerts used to be the same way too. You would get 3-4 bands & MUCH more bang for your buck.

"B Movie" really comes down to meaning what you said. A low budget, less than known or stellar cast & many times, a much shorter running time. Roger Corman made a fortune & a name from "B" movies.

[yorrick brown]

i wouldn`t say april fools day is a classic but it is a must see.

i would add' happy birthday to me 'as well.

[yorrick brown]

alice sweet alice.

[darchangel]

Originally posted by yorrick brown
alice sweet alice.


FUCKING YES!!!



And Kikabi, I'm glad I'm not the only one. ;)

[mattmanw54301]

except the two I refuse to see

care to elaborate?

[Kikabi]

Originally posted by mattmanw54301
care to elaborate?

Sure. Like I wrote at the beginning, I made up this list from movies people talk about here as well as those kind of "movies you must see before you die" lists.

One of those movies is Maniac (1980). But from what I've read about it, it sounds extremely tasteless and over-the-top exploitative while being nearly plotless and not particularily well-made. I'm pretty sure I can live quite well for the rest of my life having never seeing it.

The other one that's pushed even more as a "must-see", as least as it seems to me, is Cannibal Holocaust. I have an ethical problem with the idea of watching animals killed for the sake of entertainment. I thought, I really need to watch one of these cannibal movies, but then I read that Cannibal Ferox also killed live animals. I know that it's no big deal to a lot of other people, but I can't, in good conscious, watch those films.

[mattmanw54301]

Both are good reasons. Maniac I have seen. It's pretty underwhelming, except for one kill involving Tom Savini.

Cannibal Holocaust I have not seen. Usually when one of those animal killing scenes comes on, I skip to the next chapter on the disc. I'm a tough guy, and I know that animals die every day to be eaten by me, but I just can't watch it. So I know what you are saying.

[teenkiller]

Originally posted by Kikabi
Sure. Like I wrote at the beginning, I made up this list from movies people talk about here as well as those kind of "movies you must see before you die" lists.

One of those movies is Maniac (1980). But from what I've read about it, it sounds extremely tasteless and over-the-top exploitative while being nearly plotless and not particularily well-made. I'm pretty sure I can live quite well for the rest of my life having never seeing it.

The other one that's pushed even more as a "must-see", as least as it seems to me, is Cannibal Holocaust. I have an ethical problem with the idea of watching animals killed for the sake of entertainment. I thought, I really need to watch one of these cannibal movies, but then I read that Cannibal Ferox also killed live animals. I know that it's no big deal to a lot of other people, but I can't, in good conscious, watch those films.

I watched half of Cannibal Holocaust before I got bored and walked the fuck out. My two friends kept raving about how great it was and how it was like the ultimate horror film. Like I said, I watched half the film and I was just so very bored. I watched up until the infamous turtle scene and that didn't help matters. That is when I knew that it just wasn't going to get any better.

Maniac, on the other hand, is one of my favorite films. I find the stalk sequences tense and drawn out perfectly for atmosphere. Also the violence (which I happen to love in my horror films) is brutal and realistic. If you don't care much for grit you should probably steer clear. I think it really has a reputation for being misogynistic but after reading into the lives of MANY real life serial killers I find the film to be a pretty realistic portrayal of one of "those" people who lurk among us. I don't know if I could recommend it to you though as I realize it is a difficult movie for many to sit through.

Well thats all for now GOoD JOURNEY my fellow schmoes.

[teenkiller]

And here is teenkiller's thoughts on the aforementioned films:

The Night of the Living Dead * - This is just about as far back as I'll go in film. Definitely a classic.
Dawn of the Dead '78 * - I must be the only one who places this dead last in the Romero series. Really not a favorite of mine.
Day of the Dead - I found DAY to be the best of the series and my favorite zombie movie so far.
The Evil Dead * - One of my top ten favorite movies period. One of the essential splatter flicks.
The Evil Dead 2 * - Another great ED film. After this the series goes south though...
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre '74 * - Another top ten fave. Nothing quite like this one. Nothing that came after in the series could match the original. I don't find the sequels worth watching much.
Hellraiser - Forget about the later Hellraiser garbage. YES! The first is a MUST SEE! Pinhead is such an awesome character.
Hellbound: Hellraiser II - The sequel is also worth watching but after this things get iffy. REAL iffy.
Cannibal Holocaust - I wouldn't bother. I love exploitative violence and sleaze but this was a snoozefest for me.
Halloween * - I would recommend H1, 2 (I know you didnt like it though), and 4 for the uninitiated.
Friday the 13th * - Just go watch this whole damn series. For me it's just fun to see it's evolution from beginning to end. However if you're looking for the actual solid efforts I would tell you to watch the first four though the sixth film also has a really solid reputation... as far as F13 films go any way.
Nightmare on Elms Street * - Again, being the big FREDDYphile that I am I would normally just tell people to go watch all of them. However if you want the better installments just go for Parts 1, 3, 4, and 7. Five and six are good if you like cheese and 2 seems to be split between fans. I love em all in different ways though.
Child's Play * - Childs Play is a solid thriller and Part 2 is spectacular mainly for it's finale... after that though... whatever you do avoid Seed.
Candyman * - A lot of horror fans love this one. I wasn't majorly impressed by it though.
The Wicker Man '73 * - Another solid film. The mystery unravels slowly but once you get to the end it's worth it.
Prom Night - This one bored me to tears when I rented it ten years ago. However I thought the sequel was excellent. The third one gets more hammy and I find the fourth to be completely irrelevant.
Slumber Party Massacre - Don't remember much of this one. Probably a reason for that.
Sleepaway Camp - This one is also probably in my top ten favorites. Really love this. Fun film. The two sequels are 80's commercialized cheese at it's finest which most fans seem to prefer but I still think the original is the best.
Black Christmas '74 * - They do not get much better than this one. Period.
Silent Night, Deadly Night - FUCK YES! Killer Santa works great. I don't care that people think this is trash. Stay the fuck away from the sequel though.
My Bloody Valentine - A good F13 inspired slasher. I hear ten minutes of violence/gore had to be edited out. Hopefully we get to see the movie uncut one day.
Maniac - I already mentioned my thoughts on this one in the above post.
The Prowler - So so film. Very slow. Not a "must see" but it is very notable for the effects work done by Tom Savini. Probably it's saving grace.
From Dusk till Dawn * - To quote Blag the Ripper: "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Oh FUCK yeah!"
Eraserhead - I don't know what the hell I watched here but I liked it. I would recommend a film like this just because I am certain that it would spark good discussion but it's definitely not for everyone.
Pet Cemetery * - Haven't seen it in years but I remember liking it.
Braindead/Dead Alive - There is "over the top" and then there is DEAD-ALIVE. Every horror and/or comedy fan should just go see this as soon as motherfucking possible.
28 Days Later * - I actually didn't care much for this and didn't expect a whole lot from the sequel when I went to see it in theatres. However I LOVED Weeks. Go figure.
Shaun of the Dead * - Yeah this was definitely a fun film. It's no wonder why Romero loved it so much.
Dog Soldiers * - I have only seen this once and only thought it was average. I couldn't understand all the praise it was getting though I by no means found it horrible.
Dellamorte Dellamore/Cemetery Man * - After watching this I really felt like I wasted my time. Definitely wasn't what I was expecting. Maybe some day I'll give it a rewatch but who knows...
The Fog '80 * - Just couldn't get behind this one. With Carpenter directing I really wanted to love it but all in all I just don't care much for ghost stories.
The Fly '86 * - Maybe this film was too classy for me. I don't know. It was okay but I don't rate it as highly as most others.
Motel Hell - In no fucking way do I consider this a classic. In fact I think it is a very forgettable film. I wouldn't recommend this to you because... frankly you have better films to catch up on.
Tremors * - Yeah this was fun. I loved this movie as a kid but haven't seen it in the last 8-10 years. I'm sure it still holds up well though.
The Thing * - Grade A masterpiece here. 10/10. Not just one of the best genre offerings but one of the best films of all time.
Feast * - I really wanted to LOVE this one. It starts off great but just kinda loses itself as time goes on. Clu Gulager is great though and I actually do look forward to another directorial effort from John.
Nightbreed - Erm... I didn't care enough for this movie to try and give it another watch. That should tell you something.
The Last House on the Left * - Not for everyone as it is heavily flawed but yet I still rate it a 10/10. One of the groundbreaking films of the early 70's that changed the direction the genre was moving in.
The People Under the Stairs * - I would just call this film tolerable. I don't feel it left any kind of mark on the genre. Kind of bland but it's okay.

Well thats all for now GOoD JOURNEY my fellow schmoes.

[yorrick brown]

Originally posted by teenkiller
[B. I watched up until the infamous turtle scene and that didn't help matters. That is when I knew that it just wasn't going to get any better.



. [/B]

actually the only reason i have the 2 disc at home.

is because .

i love the final moment when the cannibals attack.the two guys in the movie are fucking trolls.i hated them with a passion.1st the killing of the animals is fucking cruel and sick,the doco (part 3?) pisses me off,actually i`m not gonna lie i felt sick after seeing the behind the scenes with what they did to that snakke they caught.i loved it when the cannibals cut that blond dudes dick off.i hated that guy ,he burnt the village and then him and the other dude tried to rape that girl.i was rooting for the cannibals.


i`m bloody glad the cannibals killed the blond dude he was a troll

[Cronos]

While I loved Maniac i must admit there isn't much to it plotwise and it is pretty tasteless, there are some great gore scenes though :D.

As for Cannibal Holocaust, check out the Deluxe Edition from Grindhouse Releasing, as well as the full uncut film it also has an Animal Cruelty Free version which removes the animal snuff. I watched the uncut version once (as with Cannibal Ferox the animal snuff just took me out of the film) and i'll only watch the animal cruelty free cut now, i find both Cannibal films are much more effective without the animal deaths.

[eric_cartman]

Animal cruelty is an essential part in cannibal movies to make them look cruel, thus eventually drawing the conclusion that we are much crueler than cannibals. Cannibal Ferox did a great job in showcasing those stuff:D

[eric_cartman]

Originally posted by Kikabi

My question to you is - do you think these are truly classics in the genre? What doesn't belong? What's missing? Yes, I look to you, my fellow schmoes, as my teachers.

Sorry this is so long. Please don't just quote the whole post as it would take up even more space on the thread. Thanks for any thoughts you have!

Waxwork
House
House II: The Second Story
Prophecy '79
Wishmaster
The Blob
Night of the Creeps
Bad Taste
King of the Ants
Undead
Evil Aliens
Demons
Demons 2
Faust: Love Of The Damned
Altered
Critters
Critters 2: The Main Course
Fright Night
Re-Animator
Bride of Re-Animator
Sleepaway Camp
Bubba Ho-tep
The Beyond
Zombi 2

I'll extend the list when I hit more;)

[Kikabi]

Originally posted by eric_cartman
Animal cruelty is an essential part in cannibal movies to make them look cruel, thus eventually drawing the conclusion that we are much crueler than cannibals. Cannibal Ferox did a great job in showcasing those stuff:D

But, as far as I know about the plots of those movies, esp. Cannibal Holocaust, isn't that point made even without the animal snuff? Like the others have said, even The Arrow in his review of Cannibal Holocaust, they're not very good movies, anyway.


Thanks for list! I'll be adding it to my long list of rentals. I've only seen some of them, and those I've liked a lot.:)

[miceland1]

I am a little unsure on what you are calling B Movies.

Some of these are older but not of a small budget. I would say that to be really B Movie it has to be made on the cheap.

[Kikabi]

Originally posted by miceland1
I am a little unsure on what you are calling B Movies.

Some of these are older but not of a small budget. I would say that to be really B Movie it has to be made on the cheap.

Would point out which ones you don't feel belong on the list, please?

[miceland1]

28 Days Later Budget £5,000,000 I would say this is a feature film.

[teenkiller]

Originally posted by Kikabi
Would point out which ones you don't feel belong on the list, please?

I also believe that not all of these are B movies. NOES, THE THING, The Fly, 28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead, Pet Sematary, From Dusk till Dawn, Eraserhead, My Bloody Valentine, BLACK CHRISTMAS, Childs Play, Candyman, Halloween, F13, and Hellraiser... it's hard to explain but I just feel they have too much quality to fall under the B movie category. Also, I think that if a movie is well known outside of the horror nuts (NOES, F13, Halloween) it can't fall under the "B". A movie really needs to be underground to be called "B". Well thats all for now GOoD JOURNEY my fellow schmoes.

[Kikabi]

Thanks teenkiller and miceland1 for that edification. I was really trying separate what is considered "B" movies from "A" movies. Since I think of A movies as being more studio based with higher budgets that are more mainstream, like Rosemary's Baby or The Silence of the Lambs, I was trying to figure out where did the others land. I thought if they weren't A's, then they were B's. I see that I'm wrong in several cases. But that's just me kind of fumbling in the dark!

I see what you mean with the movies you listed as not having a "B movie" feeling to them, although I still say that's what Rodrigues and Tarentino were going for with From Dusk till Dawn, and I think they succeeded.

Personally, I don't think how well they're known outside of horror fans should be so much of an issue regarding B-movies. Afterall, I was aware of movies like Night of the Living Dead and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre well before I became a horror fan, and those are definitely B-movies.

Perhaps the more underground they are, the further down the alphabet they go? Like C.H.U.D being a D-movie or something?

I'm also iffy about the idea that if movies are of good quality, they shouldn't be considered B-movies. If a director can make a good quality movie on a shoe-string budget, so much the better for him and us!

But I'm just throwing out ideas here since I don't really have the experience to judge.

[miceland1]

I think B movie is sort of synonymous with kinda crappy quality. Its the type of movie that is so much fun but isn't really aspiring to be more than the sum of its parts.

Halloween was made on a shoesting budget. But I agree with TK in that its not really B. Its a movie that has spawned a franchise and has imitators and imitators of those imitators.

When they offer to pay you as much as you want to direct a sequel and you still refuse? You are disqualified. Officially an A list.

Sean of the Dead also should not be on this list. Its smart, funny, sad. Great film making all around. They have gained the respect of their peers in and out of the horror genre. They are also DQ.

There are so many great crappy movies to choose from. Some are on this list but some are not.

Why isn't Plan 9 on this list? Why not Robot Monster? Are those TOO cheesy for you?

Take off the franchise movies, and add in some real campy movies like the afforementioned Chopping Mall and then you'll start to get close.

[Kikabi]

Ok, so, if I understand you correctly, B movies are fun but crappy, campy, and cheesy, that "aren't really aspiring to be more than the sum of their parts."

I didn't think of Plan 9 from Outer Space - not TOO cheesy, I've been curious to see it. Never heard of Robot Monster. Remember, I'm a relative newbie wanting to learn more about all of this.

I just bought one of those public-domain 50 movie packs, and I'm looking forward to diving into them. So, I'm sure familiarity (sp?) with "B" movies will grow.

[teenkiller]

Yeah that's more the definition that I think of. When I think of B movies I think of Night of the Demons, Return of the Living Dead, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-A-Rama, Basket Case, Brain Dead, Big Bad Wolf, Wrestlemaniac. When I think of "Z" movies I think of Dorm of the Dead... something REALLY bottom of the barrel. Well thats all for now GOoD JOURNEY my fellow schmoes.

[WhatsInaName]

As I have just lately seen it, and as someone else pointed out, Re-Animator is really good. I don't know if it's considered a classic, but sure as hell it's a lot of fun.

[miceland1]

Plan 9 has also been called Z though I rather like it and enjoy the horrible dialog. "Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!"

Cat People and all of Lewton's work I Walked With a Zombie among them was really in honest considered B list when they were made. He worked fast, had low, low budgets and knocked em out quick, super quick.

The trick is, and I am sorry I keep making thigs more complicated, but now we look at them and realize Wow, there really is some artistry here. This is a movie worth watching and it keeps getting better each time you see it and you want to see it again. I think at that point we are talking about a cult movie. Started off as B but somehow it captured people's imagination and is now elevated to cult. DOes that make them not B movies? I would say no, but I would be hard pressed to define exactly what makes the difference qualitatively. It is an elusive quality. Its like street cred. You either got it or you don't.

I find that is also true on NOTLD. I mean it was pretty much a f-ing student film. but it really kicked everybody in the ear when they saw it and not just becuase of the cheap effects but because there was a message there.

A B movie can't really be socially redeeming. Its gotta be schlock. Sorority Babes is a shining example. It is so bad it is good, but you aren't hit with any message other than - voyeurism can have some interesting side-effects.

[miceland1]

Oh and it helps if Linnea Quigley is in your movie. That alone I think qualifies the movie.

[Kikabi]

Originally posted by miceland1
Plan 9 has also been called Z though I rather like it and enjoy the horrible dialog. "Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!"

Cat People and all of Lewton's work I Walked With a Zombie among them was really in honest considered B list when they were made. He worked fast, had low, low budgets and knocked em out quick, super quick.

The trick is, and I am sorry I keep making thigs more complicated, but now we look at them and realize Wow, there really is some artistry here. This is a movie worth watching and it keeps getting better each time you see it and you want to see it again. I think at that point we are talking about a cult movie. Started off as B but somehow it captured people's imagination and is now elevated to cult. DOes that make them not B movies? I would say no, but I would be hard pressed to define exactly what makes the difference qualitatively. It is an elusive quality. Its like street cred. You either got it or you don't.

I find that is also true on NOTLD. I mean it was pretty much a f-ing student film. but it really kicked everybody in the ear when they saw it and not just becuase of the cheap effects but because there was a message there.

A B movie can't really be socially redeeming. Its gotta be schlock. Sorority Babes is a shining example. It is so bad it is good, but you aren't hit with any message other than - voyeurism can have some interesting side-effects.

Thank you! That's really helpful - the consideration between plain B movies and cult movies. Because I honestly couldn't think how NOTLD really fit into your previous definition - it's production value isn't high, but it's not campy or cheesy. I was also thinking the same about Dawn of the Dead. Would you consider Romero's zombie movies as cult movies? I can see Plan 9 being a cult movie. And the Evil Dead series. And The Re-Animator? What about the Hammer movies and Roger Corman movies?

I am taking your advice about the franchise movies - I, with my sense of aesthetics can't really see them as A movies, except John Carpenter's Halloween. But they seen to have a category all their own. And about the other ones because I do see yours and TK's point. And your point about Linnea Quigley is duly noted!

I KNOW I can be a little anal about trying to classify things. But they help me to make sure I'm covering all the proper horror bases, if you understand what I mean as far as "must-see" movies in all areas of horror. Still don't think Child's Play and The Thing, as well as some others, are really A movie material. I mean Child's Play is awfully cheesy. Perhaps there's two separate categories. Ones that are mainstream Hollywood A-list, like Rosemary's Baby, and ones that aren't mainstream Hollyword A-movies?

[miceland1]

Child's Play is so ridiculous but its worth watching. The humor is really the only reason to see it.

Rosemary's Baby is... I don't know what it is. I mean I have seen it several times. I laugh at it. I'm not sure I am supposed to. I think its supposed to be dramatic and sinister. It just seems funny and forced to me from beginning to end. Budget is an estimated $3,200,000 according to wikipedia. I think that is not terribly low budget. Polanski was a big time director in those days. Before Manson ruined his life.

I don't think it started off as B, but it might qualify now."It tastes kinda chalky"

[Kikabi]

Which is why I think Child's Play is a B. I only used it as an example because teenkiller felt it didn't belong on the B list. Yeah, I've seen it for the sake of feeling that I should see it - the whole "must-see" thing!

I think you're right about Rosemary's Baby! The budget's pretty decent for 1968. The direction was actually innovative; some of the things Polansky did then were new, but old hat now. But that's the best I can say for it. It has not aged well. I guess. I probably should have used a better examples, like The Exorist or The Sixth Sense, for Hollywood A movies.

I know it sounds wierd but I actually have made up a "curriculum."
I've added a "Cult Classics" class! It's really for fun, and to cover all bases. I have one for "Giallo" and "Significant Directors" and stuff like that.

[teenkiller]

If you REALLY want to read about B movies I suggest you check THIS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B_movie) out. I haven't read through all of it myself though so I can't say how much I agree or disagree with it. Well thats all for now GOoD JOURNEY my fellow schmoes.

[Kikabi]

Thanks, TK, for that link! It's a long but informative article, mainly dealing with the history of B movies from the silent era to the present of all B-movie genres. I learned quite a bit from it. As far as defining "B-movies," it admits that it's kind of a slippery thing. But what it does say conforms to my initial idea of what a B-movie is. I'll quote from it:

The term B movie continues to be used in a broader sense, referring to any low-budget, commercial motion picture meant neither as an arthouse film nor as pornography.

In its post–Golden Age usage, there is ambiguity on both sides: on the one hand, many B movies display a high degree of craft and aesthetic ingenuity; on the other, the primary interest of many inexpensive exploitation films is prurient. In some cases, both are true.

. . . In its current usage, the term has two primary and somewhat contradictory connotations: it may signal an opinion that a certain movie is (a) a genre film with minimal artistic ambitions or (b) a lively, energetic film uninhibited by the constraints imposed on more expensive projects and unburdened by the conventions of putatively "serious" independent film.

Some of this goes back to my belief that it's not just a matter of quality that makes a movie a B. B-movies are made quickly and with a low to moderate budget. For lesser directors, a short shooting schedult and low budget = low quality. Better, more creative directors (like John Carpenter and David Cronenberg, etc) can produce good quality movies on a low budget, that would still be considered B-movies.

Technically, Psycho is a B-movie, made with $800,000 - the lowest budget Hitchcock ever had.

[moviewiz9028]

The Burning a b movie

[weezercoke]

These 4 are good.
Witchboard
Trick or Treat
Zombi(not sure if I would call this a B Movie)
Phenomena /Creepers(not sure if I would call this a B Movie)

[Kikabi]

Thanks for the suggestions. Are The Burning, Trick or Treat, and Witchboard considered "classic" B-movies, as in must-see? I already have Witchboard on my rental list!

I classify films like Zombi and Phenomena differently, a foreign horror.

[Cronos]

The Burning is considered a classic slasher flick and one of the must-see's, the other 2 not so much. Witchboard was rather fun, Trick Or Treat was mostly annoying crap.

[weezercoke]

Thanks for the suggestions. Are The Burning, Trick or Treat, and Witchboard considered "classic" B-movies, as in must-see? I already have Witchboard on my rental list!

I classify films like Zombi and Phenomena differently, a foreign horror.

are they held in high regard as Toxic avenger? no way But they are more well known than Session 9 and are much more like a true b movie.

I'd say the 1st witchboard is up there with the best of the 80s horror.

And trick or treat is fun movie.

[JJFlamingo]

Thanks for the suggestions. Are The Burning, Trick or Treat, and Witchboard considered "classic" B-movies, as in must-see? I already have Witchboard on my rental list!

I classify films like Zombi and Phenomena differently, a foreign horror.

Trick Or Treat is an 80s Horror Masterpiece, easily the Best Heavy Metal Horror Flick Ever...

[Kikabi]

I'll give them all a try - when I get to them! My rental list keeps getting longer.

I guess it's a slippery thing sometimes in figuring out what's considered a "classic" and what isn't. Or maybe not - it's probably just me needing to do more research.